FORMULA 1 ABU DHABI GP LEWIS HAMILTON RUMOURS

Isack Hadjar believes timing is an advantage in Red Bull move - Photo: RacePictures

Hadjar told why he may struggle to match Verstappen at Red Bull in 2026

21:17, 18 Dec

Updated: 22:15, 18 Dec

byLuke-John Buckle

Isack Hadjar is going to step up into the Red Bull team in 2026, but Ted Kravitz feels he may struggle alongside Max Verstappen.

“I’m a bit worried about Hadjar."

- Ted Kravitz

Red Bull very nearly won the world championship as Verstappen missed out by two points. By contrast, Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda both struggled and failed to score a top five between them.

Tsunoda won't be on the grid in 2026 and has been replaced by Hadjar, who is set to compete in just his second season in F1.

Kravitz explained on The F1 Show that he feels Hadjar may not adjust to the 2026 regulations as quickly as Verstappen.

He said: "I’m a bit worried about Hadjar.

Photo: Red Bull content.

“I just think, how is it going to be different? Max will get his head around the new regulations, and Hadjar will be doing well to not be crushed like every other one of Max’s teammates.”

Hadjar did have some excellent results for Racing Bulls this year, such as a podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix.

The Frenchman also outscored his more experienced teammate, Liam Lawson, over the entire season.

Hadjar's reaction to his first test as a Red Bull driver

Hadjar participated in the post-season test in Abu Dhabi as the 10 teams from this year's grid prepared for next season's regulations.

The Frenchman was pleased to get his first laps ahead of next year as a Red Bull driver.

Pre-season testing for the new campaign will get underway on January 26-30th at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

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